A dental emergency is any oral issue that requires immediate attention. It calls for prompt care to prevent the worsening of the condition or avoid severe damage. Certain injuries require going to the emergency room or contacting your dentist immediately. Not all dental problems require emergency care, but issues such as severe pain and bleeding need immediate treatment.

Experiencing a Dental Emergency

If you experience a dental emergency, what you do in the initial moments can help save your tooth or teeth. The first thing to do in an emergency is to contact your dentist. The dentist can give you instructions on what to do or how to administer simple first aid. Most dentists provide emergency numbers that patients can call for urgent care. You can also get to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Several oral problems are considered dental emergencies. They include the following:
 

• Severe toothache
   

• A badly cracked or broken tooth
   

• A fractured or broken jaw and loose teeth
   

• A knocked-out tooth
   

• A swollen jaw or face (dental abscess)
   

• A partially dislodged or extruded tooth
   

• Severe injury of the soft tissue, such as a deep lip cut
   

• Broken or lost crown or dental restoration

Knowing how to manage a dental emergency is crucial before you get to the dentist or emergency room. Taking OTC pain relievers or applying a cold compress can help.

Symptoms That Lead to Dental Emergencies

It is crucial to realize that dental issues often worsen if not treated. Most people avoid regular dental care and only schedule appointments when an emergency occurs. Some symptoms indicate that you may require emergency care. Pain, swelling, bleeding, or oral trauma require immediate care. Most people consider the degree of discomfort when deciding when to get dental care. Unfortunately, reluctance or being overly cautious can be detrimental.

When It Is Not a Dental Emergency

When you experience a dental emergency, you require immediate attention regardless of the day or time. However, some situations do not constitute an emergency. While you should still visit a dentist as soon as possible, you can wait for regular business hours. These are issues such as:
 

• A small crack or chip in the tooth
   

• Mild or dull toothache
   

• Broken dental braces
   

• Small cuts or minor soft tissue injuries
   

• Objects stuck between the teeth

You can learn how to manage your symptoms until you see the dentist. Any severe pain or uncontrolled bleeding requires immediate dental care.

Dealing With Dental Emergencies

Calling and discussing the issue with the dentist will help you deal with the problem effectively. Many people are taking advantage of teledentistry, where they consult on the phone or through video conferencing. The dentist can tell you what to do to reduce discomfort. But you should know that the longer you wait before getting care, the worse the issue will become. Failing to get immediate care can result in costly and complicated procedures. When experiencing a dental emergency, you must remain calm and find out how to manage the situation. Taking care of yourself as you wait can determine the results or treatment.

For more on what is considered a dental emergency, contact bty Dental at our Anchorage, Alaska offices. Call (907) 333-6666 to schedule an appointment today.